Ross Smith has asserted that ‘karma’ will eventually reach Mensur Suljovic, following an unsportsmanlike episode during round three of the Swiss Darts Trophy. The controversy unfolded during a best-of-11-legs match on Sunday, where the two competitors were level at 5-5 in the deciding leg.
Smith had secured two match darts by aiming for double 18, but Suljovic directed the audience to increase their boos toward the Englishman. Under the psychological pressure, Smith missed his target, handing Suljovic the opportunity to close out the contest. The Austrian then landed a double 10 with his final dart to claim the victory.
The Austrian’s behavior left a bitter impression on Smith, who addressed the incident on social media platform X after the match. While acknowledging that he missed his chances, Smith made it clear he held no ill will toward his opponent regarding the result itself, but criticized the conduct.
‘I don’t blame Mensur for me losing that game,’ Smith wrote. ‘I missed two match darts. Simple as that. Obviously it’s impossible for me to know what he’s doing behind my back when I’m throwing apart from the crowd’s response. If he wants to be an absolute helmet that’s on him – karma will come around.’
This is not the first time Suljovic has been at the center of a behavioral dispute in the sport. Last December, during a World Championship encounter against Joe Cullen, the Austrian was accused of deliberately provoking his rival. Cullen characterized Suljovic’s slow pace of play as akin to ‘cheating’ and ‘not darts,’ citing frustration over the time taken to retrieve darts and celebrate shots. Referee Kirk Bevans was required to intervene in the dispute.
In response to those allegations, Suljovic denied any malicious intent, stating, ‘I never, ever do this as a provocation. I do it only for my game.’ He added, ‘I like my game – I never do it to be a villain. Sorry Joe, I never do this – I love you man.’
Sky Sports continues to broadcast major darts events, including the Grand Slam of Darts scheduled for November 14-22 and the World Darts Championship running from December 11 to January 3.
Leave a Reply